Which dog breeds have wire hair? Out of 162 breeds in our database, 18 have a wiry coat, a harsh, bristly outer coat that feels rough to the touch. It is most common in terriers and hunting dogs, and it needs different care from a soft coat.
Each breed has its size, weight, lifespan and temperament from our breed data. For care, read the grooming section after the breeds: hand-stripping and clipping give very different results.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a toy dog with a shaggy, wiry coat and a face people compare to a monkey, which is what its German name suggests. The colors in our data are black, gray, silver, red, belge, black and tan.
The Affenpinscher is a toy breed in the AKC Toy Group. Adults weigh 7 to 10 lb (3 to 5 kg) and stand 9 to 11.5 in (23 to 29 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as confident, famously funny and fearless. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
It is small, confident and a bit stubborn. Brush weekly and keep the face and eyes clear of hair.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale is the biggest terrier on this list, with a dense, wiry coat in black and tan, grizzle and tan. The AKC shedding rating is only 1 out of 5.
At 50 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg) and 21 to 24 in (53 to 61 cm) tall, the Airedale Terrier counts as a large dog (in the AKC Terrier Group). Expect 11 to 14 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as courageous, friendly and clever. The AKC rates shedding 1 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Low shedding does not mean low upkeep, because the coat needs trimming or stripping several times a year. These are energetic, clever dogs with 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise in the AKC data.
Border Terrier
The Border Terrier's wiry coat comes in red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, blue and tan. It is a small working terrier with a harsh outer coat and a softer undercoat.
The Border Terrier is a small breed in the AKC Terrier Group. Adults weigh 12 to 16 lb (5 to 7 kg) and stand 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as affectionate, happy and plucky. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Border Terriers are sturdy, friendly and easy to live with for a terrier, but they still like to dig and chase.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon has a wiry coat and a flat face with a beard. Colors in our data: red, belge, black and tan, black. The breed also comes with a smooth coat, but our data follows the wiry type.
At 8 to 10 lb (4 to 5 kg) and 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm) tall, the Brussels Griffon counts as a toy dog (in the AKC Toy Group). Expect 12 to 15 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as alert, curious and loyal. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
This is a small companion dog that bonds closely with its person. Keep the face clean and brush the coat weekly.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier's weather-resistant coat is wiry and shaggy, in wheaten, red, cream, gray, brindle, black, silver. Cairns came from Scotland, and Toto in The Wizard of Oz was one.
The Cairn Terrier is a small breed in the AKC Terrier Group. Adults weigh 12 to 15 lb (5 to 7 kg) and stand 9 to 10.5 in (23 to 27 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 13 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as alert, cheerful and busy. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Cairns are small and sturdy and love to dig. They are also in our list of brindle breeds.
German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer has a harsh, weatherproof coat and a bushy beard and eyebrows. Colors in our data: liver, liver and white. The photo shows the rough, bearded look.
At 50 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg) and 22 to 26 in (56 to 66 cm) tall, the German Wirehaired Pointer counts as a large dog (in the AKC Sporting Group). Expect 14 to 16 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as affectionate, eager and enthusiastic. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
It is a hardworking all-purpose hunting dog, so it needs vigorous exercise. The AKC data lists 90 to 120 minutes a day. Its smooth-coated cousin, the German Shorthaired Pointer, appears in our spotted coats guide.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is the biggest of the three Schnauzers, with a wiry coat in black, pepper and salt and a beard and eyebrows to match.
The Giant Schnauzer is a large breed in the AKC Working Group. Adults weigh 55 to 95 lb (25 to 43 kg) and stand 23.5 to 27.5 in (60 to 70 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 10 to 13 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as alert, loyal and trainable. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Its grooming rating is 4 out of 5, the highest on this list, shared with the Miniature Schnauzer. Plan on regular professional grooming, and check the cost with our dog grooming cost calculator.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant with a rough, wiry coat. Colors in our data: gray, brindle, red, black, white, fawn, wheaten. It is the tallest breed on this list.
At 105 to 155 lb (48 to 70 kg) and 30 to 35 in (76 to 89 cm) tall, the Irish Wolfhound counts as a giant dog (in the AKC Hound Group). Expect 6 to 8 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as dignified, courageous and calm. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Giant dogs live shorter lives, and the Irish Wolfhound's 6 to 8 years is the shortest here. Brush a few times a week and expect a lot of dog in your house.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer has a wiry topcoat with a softer undercoat, in salt and pepper, black and silver, black. It is on the AKC list of breeds that tend to suit people with allergies.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed in the AKC Terrier Group. Adults weigh 11 to 20 lb (5 to 9 kg) and stand 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as friendly, smart and obedient. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The beard collects water and food, so wipe it daily. If you like the look of a trimmed Schnauzer, see our teddy bear Schnauzer haircut guide and dogs that look like a Schnauzer.
Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier has a hard, wiry coat in red, wheaten, black and tan, grizzle. It looks a lot like the Norwich, but the Norfolk has drop ears and the Norwich has prick ears.
At 11 to 12 lb (5 kg) and 9 to 10 in (23 to 25 cm) tall, the Norfolk Terrier counts as a toy dog (in the AKC Terrier Group). Expect 12 to 16 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as alert, fearless and fun-loving. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A small, cheerful and fearless dog. Light hand-stripping or regular brushing keeps the coat neat.
Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier is nearly the same dog as the Norfolk, with prick ears. Its wiry coat comes in red, wheaten, black and tan, grizzle.
The Norwich Terrier is a toy breed in the AKC Terrier Group. Adults weigh 11 to 13 lb (5 to 6 kg) and stand 9 to 10 in (23 to 25 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as alert, curious and loyal. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
It is small, but it has a big, bold terrier personality. Do not leave it off the leash outside a fenced area.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is known as the Scottie, with a wiry, weather-resistant coat in black, wheaten, brindle, plus a beard and eyebrows. The AKC grooming rating is 3 out of 5.
At 18 to 22 lb (8 to 10 kg) and 9.5 to 10.5 in (24 to 27 cm) tall, the Scottish Terrier counts as a small dog (in the AKC Terrier Group). Expect 11 to 13 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as independent, confident and spirited. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Scotties are independent, which the AKC temperament words confirm. Brindle is among its colors, so it also appears in our brindle breeds.
Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano has a wiry, dense coat with bushy eyebrows, a mustache and a beard. Colors in our data: white, white and orange, orange roan, brown roan. It also appears in our spotted coats guide for its roan colors.
The Spinone Italiano is a large breed in the AKC Sporting Group. Adults weigh 62 to 86 lb (28 to 39 kg) and stand 22 to 27 in (56 to 69 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 10 to 12 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as sociable, patient and docile. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A calm, sociable gundog. Wipe the beard after meals and brush the coat weekly.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is the middle size of the three Schnauzers, with a wiry coat in pepper and salt, black. Its AKC shedding rating is 1 out of 5, and it sits on the AKC list for people with allergies.
At 30 to 50 lb (14 to 23 kg) and 17.5 to 19.5 in (44 to 50 cm) tall, the Standard Schnauzer counts as a medium dog (in the AKC Working Group). Expect 13 to 16 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as fearless, smart and spirited. The AKC rates shedding 1 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
It is a clever, energetic dog that needs work to do. Expect regular grooming for the beard and legs.
Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier has a dense, wiry coat in black and tan, grizzle and tan, and looks like a small Airedale.
The Welsh Terrier is a small breed in the AKC Terrier Group. Adults weigh 16 to 22 lb (7 to 10 kg) and stand 14 to 15.5 in (36 to 39 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as intelligent, friendly and spirited. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A friendly and spirited terrier, but one that likes to dig and chase. Regular grooming keeps the coat sharp.
Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier has a wiry coat in white and tan, white and black, tricolor. The Smooth Fox Terrier is a separate breed.
At 15 to 20 lb (7 to 9 kg) and 13.5 to 15.5 in (34 to 39 cm) tall, the Wire Fox Terrier counts as a small dog (in the AKC Terrier Group). Expect 12 to 15 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as alert, confident and gregarious. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
This is an alert, confident dog with a lot of energy. The AKC data lists 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a coarse, steel-gray coat with brown markings. The colors in our data are brown and gray, chestnut and gray.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a large breed in the AKC Sporting Group. Adults weigh 35 to 70 lb (16 to 32 kg) and stand 20 to 24 in (51 to 61 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as friendly, devoted and trainable. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A friendly, trainable gundog with a shaggy look that can handle brush and water. Check the coat for burrs after a walk.
Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a separate breed from the Vizsla, with a short, wiry coat in golden rust. It comes from Hungary.
At 45 to 65 lb (20 to 29 kg) and 21.5 to 25 in (55 to 64 cm) tall, the Wirehaired Vizsla counts as a large dog (in the AKC Sporting Group). Expect 12 to 14 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as loyal, gentle and trainable. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
It has the lowest grooming rating on this list (1 out of 5), but it is an energetic gundog that needs 90 to 120 minutes of exercise a day.
How to groom a wire-haired dog
Wiry coats come in two layers: a harsh outer coat and a softer undercoat. There are two main ways to keep them tidy.
Hand-stripping means pulling out the dead outer hair by hand or with a stripping knife, so new coat can grow in. Done properly it keeps the coat's natural texture, and it is the traditional method for most terriers. It is mainly done by groomers, and many dogs tolerate it well when they start young.
Clipping means cutting the hair with clippers. It is faster, cheaper and easier to find, which is why many pet owners choose it. The downside is that it permanently changes the coat, which can change its texture and color over time.
The AKC data does not say which method to choose. It does give grooming ratings: across these 18 breeds they run from 1 to 4 out of 5, and Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer score 4 or higher. Shedding ratings run from 1 to 3, and 2 breeds have the lowest shedding rating (1): Airedale Terrier and Standard Schnauzer.
Whatever you choose, brush at least weekly, wipe the beard after meals, and check for burrs after walks. Wash with a shampoo made for wire coats, such as those in our best shampoo for wirehaired dogs guide. To budget for regular visits, use our dog grooming cost calculator.
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Why do some dogs have wiry coats?
Wiry coats are most common in terriers and wirehaired gundogs. Of the 18 breeds above, the most common AKC groups are Terrier (9), Sporting (4), Toy (2). 0 of them are on the AKC list of breeds that tend to suit people with allergies, which is not a guarantee. For a longer list, check the hypoallergenic dog breed finder.
We do not go into the genetics of the coat here, because we would rather cite only what the AKC breed pages say.
All 18 wire-haired dog breeds at a glance
| Breed | Size | Weight | Lifespan | Shedding / grooming (of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affenpinscher | Toy | 7-10 lb | 12-15 years | 3 / 3 |
| Airedale Terrier | Large | 50-70 lb | 11-14 years | 1 / 3 |
| Border Terrier | Small | 12-16 lb | 12-15 years | 2 / 2 |
| Brussels Griffon | Toy | 8-10 lb | 12-15 years | 3 / 3 |
| Cairn Terrier | Small | 12-15 lb | 13-15 years | 2 / 2 |
| German Wirehaired Pointer | Large | 50-70 lb | 14-16 years | 2 / 2 |
| Giant Schnauzer | Large | 55-95 lb | 10-13 years | 2 / 4 |
| Irish Wolfhound | Giant | 105-155 lb | 6-8 years | 3 / 2 |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Small | 11-20 lb | 12-15 years | 3 / 4 |
| Norfolk Terrier | Toy | 11-12 lb | 12-16 years | 3 / 2 |
| Norwich Terrier | Toy | 11-13 lb | 12-15 years | 3 / 2 |
| Scottish Terrier | Small | 18-22 lb | 11-13 years | 2 / 3 |
| Spinone Italiano | Large | 62-86 lb | 10-12 years | 3 / 2 |
| Standard Schnauzer | Medium | 30-50 lb | 13-16 years | 1 / 3 |
| Welsh Terrier | Small | 16-22 lb | 12-15 years | 2 / 3 |
| Wire Fox Terrier | Small | 15-20 lb | 12-15 years | 2 / 3 |
| Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Large | 35-70 lb | 12-15 years | 3 / 2 |
| Wirehaired Vizsla | Large | 45-65 lb | 12-14 years | 3 / 1 |
Conclusion
Wire-haired dogs run from 7 to 10 lb up to 105 to 155 lb, so you can find the coat at nearly any size. Choose the breed by temperament and exercise first, and plan the grooming routine before you bring the puppy home. The dog breed selector can help you narrow the list, and the dog breed comparison tool shows two breeds side by side.
For other coat types, see our guides to curly-haired dog breeds, fluffy dog breeds and brindle breeds. You can also filter by coat and more in the dog breeds by trait finder.
